Ambika Srivastava to head Zenith Optimedia India operations

Ambika Srivastava will head the newly relaunched ZenithOptimedia operations in India. Srivastava who joined Optimedia nearly a year back, as a consultant would now be designated CEO, ZenithOptimedia, India. ZenithOptimedia will have two strategic business units, to be headed by Senior Vice Presidents Pavan Chandra and Indranil Datta.

Roland Crouch, COO ZenthOptimedia Asia, believes that Srivastava’s, appointment as the CEO would augur well for the relaunched entity, “India is a key market for the network. Our clients are all increasing their investment in India and it is important that we build a strong capability to meet their needs. I am extremely pleased that Ambika will lead the business as she is hugely experienced and a highly respected figure within the marketing industry. I am extremely confident that she will be able to build a strong and vibrant agency”.

Srivastava, on her part, is thrilled at the opportunity, “I am extremely excited by the opportunity and the challenge to lead the relaunch of one of the world’s leading media brands in India. In a constantly changing media environment we believe it is important to maximize the ROI for the media investments that one client make. With ZenithOptimedia’s ROI Blueprint we are committed to providing significant value for our clients”.

ZenithOptimedia relaunched its operations in India with effect from 1st August, 2004. The company will operate as part of the ZenithOptimedia Worldwide network in India supporting the creative agency brands Publicis India and Ambience Publicis.

This relaunch follows the sale of the former Zenith Media operation, now rebranded as MEC, to WPP as part of its acquisition of the Cordiant Communication Group in 2003.

With the alignment came the news of Nokia aligning its media planning and buying business with the agency. Other international clients that the media independent handles are Allied Domecq, Action Aid, CII, Gulf Air, HP, L’Oreal (Planning), NIS and Red Tape.

According to Nakul Chopra, Group President, Publicis India, “Our network clients are increasing media investments in India and this provides ZenithOptimedia the opportunity to provide world class media services in India. We believe that media is an integral part of the brand building process and directly impacts communication strategies, brand profitability and shareholder value. We hope to replicate our global successes in media services in India.”

Srivastava, will additionally continue to pursue her other business interests, with the specialised media and communication consultancy Strategic Mediaworks.